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I knew what he meant. The retinol and collagen were futile.
“So how do I get my list to you?” Rory was persistent.
“You know, I was thinking maybe we could do something more meaningful to celebrate. Like giving three gifts. One being a gift of adventure, one of time, and one of service.”
Rory gave me a blank stare, but Bridgette said, “I like that idea.”
Patrick glanced my way and smiled. “I think that’s an excellent idea.”
Rory scrunched his nose. “So where does the new PlayStation fit into those categories?”
“I think it would be good if you earned that one,” Patrick said, proud that he had thought of such a thing.
“Earned?” Rory said it like he’d never heard the word before.
“Yes, earn,” Patrick repeated. “I want to be a better father.” He reached for my hand. I could tell he felt like he had a new lease on life and didn’t want to blow it.
Rory looked bewildered by all of this. “If I say you’re a great dad, can I get the PlayStation?”
“Do you think I’m a good dad?” Patrick caught Rory’s eye in the rearview mirror, anxious to know.
“Well, yeah,” Rory seemed embarrassed to say, but his sincerity rang true.
I squeezed Patrick’s hand, happy for him.
Patrick’s facial expression relaxed, given his son’s response. “I’m happy you think so. We will talk about how you can earn money for your PlayStation.”
Rory threw himself back into his seat. “Fine. But that sucks.”
I pressed my lips together, trying not to grin. Oh, teen angst. “You know, we could use some help around the inn, especially with the wedding coming up. We pay pretty well.”
Rory perked up. “Like how much are we talking? And what would I have to do?”
“How are you at washing dishes and shoveling snow?”
“Don’t you pay people to do that?” Rory sounded revolted by the idea.
“Yes, we do.” I laughed. “I’m willing to pay you, if you’re interested.”
“Can I think about it?” he grumbled.
“Of course.”
Rory threw on his headphones and pouted. I had this thought like I was looking at a future Jameson. It made me wonder what a younger Rory and Bridgette were like. Was it weird I felt sad about missing out on that? This situation was chock-full of weirdness. I was still blaming George and Daisy, which was odd all on its own.
“I can help decorate,” Bridgette said quietly, almost to herself.
I turned and smiled at the gorgeous girl, all dolled up in her plaid wool jacket and beanie. “I would love that.”
Even in the dark I could see her cheeks pink before she turned to look out the window. It was progress, so I would take it. I turned back around to enjoy my view of Patrick and the beauty of Fair Hollow aglow, backlighting the gently falling snow. “You know what we need?”
“What’s that?” Patrick asked.
“Christmas music.”
Patrick gave me a wry grin.
I ignored him and helped myself to his fancy radio—I felt like I needed a degree in rocket science to operate it. But I was determined to get the holiday vibes going. It took me a hot minute, but soon the car was filled with Andy Williams’ smooth tenor voice singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
